Tag Archives: latin music

After a brief hiatus, the monthly Latin music series returns with a doubleheader of premiere Miami-based Latin reggae band and Cuban salsa group, plus a world music DJ

Jupiter, FL – March 14, 2018 – The monthly NocheLatina series returns to Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar on Saturday, April 7, 2018, featuring two prominent Miami area groups and a world music disc jockey. First up DJ Ephniko spinning during brunch, followed by the Pepe Montes Trio led by its namesake piano prodigy, and will mark the return of Locos Por Juana, the Latin urban orchestra that has found success with area music fans locally and on a national level. There is no cover to attend at any time; 21 and over are welcome after 9 p.m. The venue is located at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

“Locos were a hit at the last Dirty River Reggae Festival, as well as during their debut a year ago,” says Guanabanas talent buyer MattCahur. “They are the perfect embodiment of Noche Latina – bilingual musicians on a quest to spread a multi-cultural message of love and unity through music. I’ve had my eye on Pepe for a while now, knowing full well he’s a Cuban musical force to be reckoned with.” Cahur runs Roots Music, Inc., a Jupiter-based, 20-year music management and promotions company, and is the lead sound engineer for Guanabanas.

Formed in 2000, Locos Por Juana pedal a style of music that is as varied as South Florida is: they mix musical influences from Miami and the Caribbean islands including reggae, Raggamuffin, and dub from Jamaica with hip-hop, rock, and funk. The group’s latest release Caribe, featuring several high-profile international guest artists including legendary rapper Talib Kweli, ChocQuibTown, Marina (Ojos de Brujo), has led them on a national and international touring jaunt since its release. Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated, Locos are getting set to drop a new single called “Tal Vez / Someday”. More info available at www.LocosPorJuana.com.

Pepe is probably best known for his 2013 Latin Grammy win for the live all-star recording called “Salsa Giants”, but he’s also already worked with MarcAnthony, AndreaBocelli, LauraPausini, CeliaCruzAllStars, SergioGeorge, Chinoy Nacho and others. He fronts a larger big-band version of his group and is a house musician of Miami’s premiere live music venue Ball & Chain. The keyboardist, composer, singer and songwriter occasionally backs other Miami-area groups, including Electric Piquete. More details: www.facebook.com/PepeMontesConjunto.

DJ Ephniko, AKA Alvaro Cuello, is a member of the Nag Champayons, who are regular Noche Latina performers, and a founder of the Patacon Conspiracy, an eclectic outfit that blends world beat, hip-hop and Nu Cumbia. He will also spin during the break between Montes and Locos.

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The award-winning menu features a fusion of Mexican, fresh Florida seafood and traditional fare; an all-new brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays. Guanabanas offers a custom catering menu and signature cocktails. Executive Chef Vinny Trupia oversees the culinary operations and also manages a community garden at the neighborhood resource center El Sol.

The establishment hosts recurring “Give Back Thursdays” to help the needs of the local community organizations, partnering with willing companies to help drive donations and money where needed, as well as giving away stage space to allow charities to showcase their cause. Past beneficiaries include the Surfrider Foundation, Martin Memorial Hospital, Haiti Relief Effort, the Brave Maeve Foundation, Freedom Flight for WWII Vets by the Martin County Firefighters, Furry Friends, and many others.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recording Artist Jessi Campo Releases La Lupe Remake “Que Te Pedi”

Digital-only track first single from new tribute album to be issued July 19Miami, FL – July 12, 2016 – Miami-based songwriter / chanteuse Jessi Campo released her latest single today. “Que Te Pedi” was originally a hit in the 1960s for the fiery Cuban performer La Lupe, who was known as the Queen of Latin Soul. Produced by Jose D. Velazquez, the remake is somewhat of a legacy piece for Campo, who self-identifies with La Lupe’s passionate delivery and fiercely independent attitude, and whose fatherGiovanni Rodriguez worked alongside Tito Puente, famed Puerto Rican band leader and La Lupe producer. The single is streaming on Spotify, available for purchase on Google Play, and will be accompanied by a lyric video.

“The recent Celia series on Telemundo included the appearance of the legend’s contemporary La Lupe, which sparked my interest in the artist’s original catalog,” says Campo. “I realized her passionate songs truly spoke to my life experiences and that her emotive style was a perfect fit for mine. It also reflected my love for the mid-to late 60s New York Latin music scene, as well as my Cuban roots.”

Campo, encouraged by festival producer Tony Cruz Sr. to explore the bolerostyle, has recorded what is perhaps the first acoustic piano / vocal version of the classic “Que Te Pedi”, featuring Miami-based jazz pianist, educator and author Mike Orta (ArturoSandoval, PaquitoD’Rivera, NestorTorres) on the ivories. Further adding to the legacy aspect of the single, TitoPuente, Jr. serves as co-producer on the track.

Campo was also drawn to the trail blazed by La Lupe for women, one of fiercely strong independence. The latter originally performed in clubs around Cuba, eventually becoming the owner of one before being forced to give it all up sue to the political change over. La Lupe emigrated to New York in 1962, where she teamed up with fellow Cuban exile Mongo Santamaria, and Puente.

Her upcoming full-length La Pasion de La Lupe will be released July 19, 2016, featuring additional cuts by La Lupe, including another well-known staple “La Tirana”. It will also feature “Vivio La Vida”, a moving tribute to Campo’s father co-written and produced by Michael NOMAD Ripoll (guitarist and musical director for Babyface).

Born in New York of Latin descent, Jessi Campo first began singing and writing songs on her guitar at the age of 12. Jessi’s specialty is to capture a memorable moment through her lyrics and interpretations so that each person who is present feels her music. As a bilingual singer-songwriter, she’s has been awarded many certificates of recognition.

Inspired by family, especially parents Giovanni and Nina, who performed with many famous Latin music icons such as TitoPuente, PerezPrado, BenyMore and more, Jessi has released two full-length recordings, 2013’s At Lastand Con Corazon in 2014. Seven of her songs earned placement in the 2016 Dream Act legislation feature film called El Sueño, which premiered May 26 in El Paso, TX.

She produced a radio show called Straight from the Heart that webcast oniHeartRadio and WWNNRadio.com, as well as on terrestrial radio in Boca Raton, FL on 1470 AM.

Her upcoming release titled La Pasion de La Lupe will include La Lupe classics like “Que Te Pedi” and “La Tirana”, plus other Cuban boleros and some original material, including a heartfelt tribute to her father called “Vivio La Vida”. The exceptional production work of Jose D. Velazquez captured the essence of the traditional Cuban sound with a crossover fusion, featuring collaborations with musicians from Spain, Los Angeles and Miami.